Ing to the IRS, any kind of donation above $250 should require a donation receipt. The same applies to stock gifts/donations.
Proof can be provided in the form of an official receipt or invoice from the receiving qualified charitable organization, but it can also be provided via credit card statements or other financial records detailing the donation.
You certainly can donate to charity by putting it on your credit card. Just be aware that the charity won't get the full value. If you can write a check instead, they'd appreciate it.
The receipt can take a variety of written forms – letters, formal receipts, postcards, computer-generated forms, etc. It's important to remember that without a written acknowledgment, the donor cannot claim the tax deduction.
What records must a tax-exempt organization keep? An exempt organization must keep books and records needed to show that it complies with the tax rules. The organization must be able to document the sources of receipts and expenditures reported on its annual return and on any tax returns it must file.
While it's best practice to always send a donation receipt for every gift your organization receives, there are circumstances where a donation receipt is required by the IRS and must meet IRS guidelines, including: When single donations are greater than $250.
What to include on your invoice for a charitable donation. The donor's name. The name of the nonprofit or charity (plus the gift officer's name and title, if applicable) The date that the donation was made. The donation amount. A signature from the nonprofit or charity that verifies the invoice.